This! While catch and release can be great on many lakes, I am of the same opinion that many lakes are OVER populated. 20-30 years ago, there were droves of pictures holding long stringers with 30-50 bass on them anywhere from 2-8+ pounds on them. My father in law had several of those pictures from Rayburn and Toledo from way back. Lakes are no different than anything else in nature....too many consumers without enough food, means stunted growth rates or fewer giant fish. Slot lakes are a great example....there is a slot for a reason. It only works long time if people are keeping their limits of those unders.

And yes, grass being eradicated, the explosion of white bass in some lakes, fishing pressure, etc can all add to this but I still think the biggest reason is catch and release has led to a larger population of bass in most lakes.